She smiles and winks at me before going back to her work.
I eat slowly, enjoying the fare. My mind is still stuck on her words. Friends. She said we’re friends.
I’ve never had a friend before.
Never mind one as sweet, kind and beautiful as Miss Moe.
As I’m eating, every once in a while, Miss Moe comes by my table. At first, I’m a little taken aback by it as every single time she comes she blurts out some bookish thought.
“What did you think of the villain, Sares? He’s quite awful but sometimes there’s hints of humanity in him.”
“He’s a layered character,” I agree. “You hate him because heisthe villain and you’re already invested in the hero, but I think his backstory makes him relatable.”
She doesn’t answer.Thistime. She goes around the tables, fulfilling or taking orders before she comes again.
“Right? I know we’re supposed to hate him, but every now and then there’s a scene where you can’t help butfeelfor him.”
“Yes, you wonder what would have become of him if he had chosen a different road.”
“I always wonder that, too. In an alternate world, if he hadn’t gone down the revenge path, what would have become of him?”
She once more dashes off, signaling me to wait for her.
With these little treats of her presence, how can I hurry to finish my meal? I might be hungry but I’ll drag this on for as long as possible if it means talking more with Miss Moe.
When she swings by my table again, I respond to her previous comment.
“I think he could have led an alright life, but I wonder if it would have been fulfilling… Knowing what was taken from him, knowing he couldn’t avenge his loved ones, could he have truly lived?”
She stops for a moment, deep in thought. “You’re right. I don’t think anything would have mattered for him as much anyway. He could have always chosen to forgive those who wronged him, though.”
I ponder her words. “I don’t see him necessarily unable to forgive. I think, more than anything, it’s not truly about whether he can, or if hewantsto forgive, as much as it is him doing everything for the memory of his loved ones.”
“Hmm…” She mutters, stroking her chin. For a moment, I think I spoke too much, or said something wrong, and I mentally berate myself for it. What if she doesn’t agree with it? What if she thinks my ideas are awful and she decides not to talk to me again?
All those thoughts flash through my mind and my entire body tenses.
“I’ve never thought about it like this, but you’re right. Everything stems from his wish to honor the memory of his beloved.”
“Perhaps it’s a little bit selfish, but I think it’s also quite magnanimous of him. After all, he devotes his entire life to his revenge, regardless of whether everyone hates him for it.”
“No, you’re right.” Suddenly she smiles. “Great insight, Nykander. I’ll have to think on it and maybe re-read some of the previous books.”
She leaves, and I remain stunned at her small praise. I didn’t offend her… She actually listened to what I said and considered it. That…
I don’t even notice when my meal is done. I wash it down with the las top the ale before I turn to the cookie.
It aims to be round but it’s not quite uniform around the corners. The top side is a light brown color while the bottom side is a little burned. The scent is sweet but subtle.
From the other end of the restaurant, Miss Moe’s gaze meets mine and she watches on expectantly.
I take a bite out of it and I do my best to control my facial expression. The scent might be sweet, but the taste is anything but. It’s bitter and slightly pungent.
With her eyes on me, I continue eating it, forcing myself to finish it. How can I refuse it when she gave it to me specifically?
Her smile grows until she beams at me as I finish the last of the cookie. After I pay for everything, she comes by the table before I leave.
“What did you think? Was it good?” Her eyes are big and full of hope.
